Why didn't Neeraj Chopra win Gold Medal at Paris Olympics 2024?

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Neeraj Chopra bagged a Silver medal in the Javelin throw final at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Thursday (August 8). The Indian athlete couldn't replicate his Tokyo Olympic heroics but managed to find a podium in the tournament.

The 26-year-old came behind of Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, who threw a gigantic 92.97 metres in his 2nd attempt, which is an Olympic Record and thus clinched the prestigious Gold medal.

It is a magnificent achievement for Neeraj, who has now become one of the few Indian athletes to win multiple medals in singles events of the Olympics. But amid the joy of winning a Silver, the entire nation must have felt sombre that he couldn't clinch the summit spot.

Although dissecting such a fantastic result can only bring smiles to one face, MyKhel tried to find out the possible reasons why the elusive Gold went away from Neeraj Chopra-

Erroneous Throws in the Final

Neeraj had a disappointing start to his throw as the first one was disqualified. As Arshad clinched the top mark in his 2nd attempt, the Indian star also roared back with a throw of 89.45 metres. But unfortunately, that was the solitary legitimate throw from the Indian star, whose subsequent four throws were deemed disqualified. Neeraj was the only athlete with just a single legal throw out of six, and even the other ones didn't have much distance in them.

Five disqualified throws out of six took a toll on his performance. The Indian failed to maintain his momentum and rhythm and was even very angry with himself after his fifth attempt. In the end, he kind of accepted the runners-up position and settled with the Silver.

The 90-metre Barrier

Neeraj couldn't breach the elusive 90-metre barrier yet again. His personal best is 89.94m, and as Arshad Nadeem struck so big so early, even a composed athlete such as Neeraj must have felt the heat. The Indian athlete failed to clear any of his last four attempts and in the end, his solitary throw proved to be enough for a prestigious Silver medal.

As Neeraj prepares for the upcoming assignments, the barrier of 90 metres will still be in his mind, and the sooner he breaches it, the better for him.